The Annual Report 2024–25 covers our achievements and performance against our strategic objectives for the year.
Download the full report (PDF, 3.3 MB)
It is with pleasure that I present the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) annual report for 2024–25. This report demonstrates our commitment and innovative approach to supporting the Australian community by maintaining a strong and effective tax and regulatory system that is fit for purpose and a tax profession with strong integrity and professionalism.
This report also highlights the TPB’s key activities over the past year, which importantly include working closely with the tax profession and other key stakeholders to support the implementation of reforms.
This year, we continued to strengthen integrity through the implementation of government reform priorities. Our work included shaping and implementing reforms driven by the 2019 review into the TPB and the Tax Agent Services Act 2009, responding to the PwC tax leaks scandal, and parliamentary recommendations. These measures continue to address misconduct and build community confidence in the integrity of the tax profession and tax system and introduced enhanced whistleblower protections, extended investigation periods, and improved transparency via our public register. We also supported the introduction of 8 new Code obligations under the Code of Professional Conduct Determination 2024, which was strengthened by a comprehensive suite of guidance and education products tailored to the needs of tax practitioners.
Most Australians and businesses rely on tax practitioners to navigate the tax and superannuation systems, and the majority of these professionals act ethically and responsibly, recognising their trusted role in the community. While most tax practitioners uphold high standards, misconduct by a small number can significantly undermine tax compliance and public trust. The TPB is committed to identifying and addressing such behaviour through fair and proportionate approaches, ensuring integrity across the profession. This included the work of our compliance program, which remained robust and data‑driven, with over 13,000 complaints and referrals assessed and 275 serious misconduct cases resulting in compliance outcomes. Notably, the Federal Court imposed a record $1.8 million penalty on an unregistered preparer, reinforcing our commitment to protecting the public and upholding professional standards.
Following sanctions being imposed on tax practitioners, we provide tailored guidance to affected clients through our Client Support Program. This initiative helps former clients understand key facts, review their tax affairs, and take corrective action if needed. Through our preventative outreach we offered support to more than 3,500 impacted clients, reflecting our proactive commitment to protecting the community. This initiative ensures that individuals impacted by misconduct receive timely assistance and resources to safeguard their interests.
This year saw a successful transition to an annual registration model for tax practitioners. This was supported by key improvements ensuring service continuity and stakeholder confidence. We processed an increased volume of registrations while exceeding service standards – 95% of renewals and new registration applications were processed within 30 days. Importantly, quality and integrity were maintained through our rigorous checks on education, experience and ethics. These results demonstrate our commitment to continuously improving the registration system, delivering a reliable experience for our stakeholders, and ensuring only qualified tax practitioners are registered.
We expanded our outreach and guidance efforts, delivering 26 webinars to more than 102,000 attendees – a 50% increase in attendance from the previous year – with 98% of attendees surveyed saying their knowledge had improved after attending one of our webinars. We published our first multilingual consumer factsheet, which achieved high engagement rates and reflected our dedication to accessibility and continuous improvement.
Internally, we launched the TPB People and Culture Strategy 2025–2028, reinforcing our commitment to a safe, resilient, and high‑performing workforce who are well equipped to meet our needs. Our people and positive culture are critical to our effectiveness and provide confidence that we will meet our objectives and deliver high‑quality outcomes.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to building on these successes and exploring new avenues to enhance growth, productivity and innovation. We remain focused on supporting the Government’s reform agenda by reducing red tape, eliminating duplication of work across agencies, and streamlining regulation. Through continuous enhancement of our regulatory framework, we foster trust in the tax profession.
We will focus on being responsive to the rapidly changing environment and will work collectively to build trust, mutual accountability, and to achieve the TPB’s key activities, focusing on:
- supporting tax practitioners and the public with reliable services, trusted guidance, and proactive communication
- delivering a fair and proportionate risk‑based compliance program
- enhancing our capabilities through strong leadership, optimised resources, good governance, and strategic stakeholder engagement
- shaping the system to address misconduct and align with government priorities.
I thank our partners across government who help us shape government priorities and contribute to relevant policy reform proposals, the tax profession and professional associations who contribute to a strong tax profession and a fair tax system, and our stakeholders and the broader tax community for their continued support and collaboration.
Finally, I thank my Board colleagues, our senior leadership team, and staff. Together, we remain committed to excellence – working collaboratively to support public trust and confidence in the integrity of the tax profession and the tax system, ensuring our vision of a strong tax profession and tax system for the benefit of all Australians.
Peter de Cure AM
Chair
The TPB is an independent statutory body created under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA). It consists of a board appointed by the Assistant Treasurer, who also appoints one board member as Chair.
The Board is supported by staff on secondment from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), who are made available by the Commissioner of Taxation.
For the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), the Commissioner of Taxation is the accountable authority for the listed entity known as the Australian Taxation Office, which includes the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the TPB, the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC), and the ACNC Advisory Board.
The TPB operates with statutory independence and reports directly to the Assistant Treasurer. The TPB’s budget is managed through the TPB Special Account, consisting of application fee revenue and a direct appropriation from government.
Tax practitioners
Tax practitioners must be registered with the TPB to provide tax agent or business activity statement (BAS) services for a fee or other reward. TPB registration ensures that tax agents and BAS agents (collectively referred to as ‘tax practitioners’) have the qualifications and experience necessary to provide tax practitioner services, meet the ‘fit and proper person’ requirements of the TASA, and have appropriate professional indemnity insurance cover to protect the public, including consumers.
The most recent statistics from the ATO indicate that registered tax agents lodged 61% of all 2023–24 individual income tax returns and 95% of all 2023–24 non‑individual income tax returns. In the self‑assessment environment in which we operate, the TPB regulates and supports tax practitioners to maintain the required high standards of technical knowledge and ethical conduct, ensuring that Australians receive tax advice that is legal and ethical.
All tax (financial) advisers, who were previously regulated by the TPB, have transitioned to a new regulatory framework administered by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under the Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response – Better Advice) Act 2021.
At 30 June 2025, the total registered tax practitioner population was 63,865, composed of 46,900 tax agents and 16,965 BAS agents. Registered tax practitioners are active across Australia and, in some cases, overseas, as shown in Figure 1. Indicating the strength of the tax profession, in 2024–25 the TPB registered 4,373 new practitioners.
Tax practitioners by region at 30 June
| State | Population |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | 905 |
| New South Wales | 21,814 |
| Northern Territory | 360 |
| Queensland | 12,468 |
| South Australia | 3,375 |
| Tasmania | 757 |
| Victoria | 17,531 |
| Western Australia | 6,618 |
| Overseas | 37 |
Functions
The TASA sets out the powers and functions of the TPB for the registration and regulation of tax agents and BAS agents. Under section 60‑15 of the TASA, our functions are:
- to administer the system for the registration of tax practitioners
- to investigate applications for registration and investigate conduct that may breach the TASA
- to impose sanctions for non‑compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct (Code)
- to issue, by legislative instrument, guidelines to assist in achieving the functions mentioned in the dot points above
- other functions as conferred on the Board by the TASA, the Tax Agent Services Regulations 2022 (TASR) or any other law of the Commonwealth
- to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of our functions.
In addition to the TASA, we administer the:
- TASR, which set out, among other things, the broad requirements for registration, applicable fees, and provisions for recognising professional associations
- Tax Agent Services (Specified BAS Services No.1) Instrument 2020, which declared certain services under the Australian Government’s COVID–19 stimulus measures as BAS services
- Tax Agent Services (Specified BAS Services No. 2) Instrument 2020, which declared certain services to be BAS services.
On 31 May 2024, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Accountability and Fairness) Act 2024 received Royal Assent. This Act amends the TASA and the Taxation Administration Act 1953. Key changes commenced in July 2024, including extending whistleblower protections to individuals who disclose information to the TPB, extending the TPB’s investigation period from 6 months to 24 months, and improving transparency by enabling the publication of more information on the TPB’s public register.
The legislation is available at www.legislation.gov.au.
As part of our regulatory role, we can seek civil penalties through the Federal Court of Australia (Federal Court) for improper conduct by registered tax practitioners and unregistered preparers. For example, civil penalties may apply where an unregistered preparer advertises tax agent services or provides tax agent services for a fee or other reward, or where a registered tax practitioner knowingly or recklessly makes false or misleading statements to the Commissioner of Taxation. The TPB will act against unregistered preparers, especially where unlawful advice is provided to the disadvantage of clients.
The TPB may disclose official information in response to formal requests, including ministerial requests and requests under the TASA or the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Appendix A provides a summary of disclosures in 2024–25.
Board
The Board is responsible for the strategic direction and governance of the TPB.
The Board delegates routine decision‑making (not subject to appeal) to the CEO Secretary.
The Board also makes disciplinary decisions and applies sanctions to tax practitioners in appropriate cases.
The Board consults with stakeholders across formal and informal channels.
Members
During 2024–25, 11 people served on the Board (including the Chair), all serving part time.
At 30 June 2025, the Board had 9 members: Peter de Cure AM (Chair), Debra Anderson, Joanna Bird, Simone Carton, Phillip Davies, Steven Dobson, Amanda Gascoigne, Merran Kelsall AO, and Kerrie Sadiq. The following biographies provide details of their qualifications and experience.
Former members Peter Hogan and Andrew Conway concluded their terms in August 2024 and March 2025 respectively. We thank them for their outstanding service and commitment.
Peter was first appointed to the Board in July 2017 and reappointed in October 2020 and May 2023. He was appointed as Chair in May 2023 and was Acting Chair immediately prior to his appointment as Chair.
Peter is a professional non‑executive director. His experience in tax matters was developed over a 25‑year career as a tax partner with KPMG, and a career as a registered tax agent for 16 years. Peter is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Peter is Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service SA and NT, Wirra Wirra Vineyards, Accord Property Holdings Pty Ltd and the Accord Property Development Fund. He is a director of the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission, PMB Defence Pty Ltd, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, and Variety the Children’s Charity South Australia. Peter holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide.
Debra is a registered tax practitioner with extensive experience as a BAS agent and tax agent. She is a Certified Practicing Accountant, a Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a member of the Tax Institute. She is also a member of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s Financial Services and Credit Panel.
Debra is a director of Anderson Tax and Consulting and specialises in tax and technology for small business. She has a Master of Business Administration and has worked extensively with the ATO on matters relating to tax practitioners and small business.
Debra was appointed to the Board in February 2019.
Joanna is an experienced regulator. During nearly 20 years working at ASIC, she held a range of senior roles, including Executive Director – Financial Services and Wealth and Senior Executive Leader – Financial Advice. She has also advised foreign financial services regulators and taught regulation at the University of New South Wales, Monash University and the University of Sydney. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Law Faculty at the University of New South Wales.
Joanna holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney, as well as a post‑graduate law degree (Hons) from the University of Oxford. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Joanna was appointed to the Board in March 2025.
Simone is an experienced CEO, lawyer and non‑executive director. She is currently CEO of the ACT Law Society, the peak body for legal practitioners in the territory, with statutory responsibilities for the licensing and regulation of practitioners.
Simone started her career as a specialist tax lawyer with KPMG Sydney and has since worked in a variety of roles across the private, government and non‑profit sectors. She has a strong background in regulation, with experience in the legal, advertising and communications sectors. She is currently a director of Asthma Australia and Relationships Australia New South Wales, and has previously served on a number of boards as a director and a company secretary.
Simone was appointed to the Board in October 2023.
Phillip is a lawyer with over 40 years of experience in both private and public practice. He began his career as a solicitor, senior associate and later tax partner at the international law firm King Wood Mallesons. Phillip has been involved in various professional and disciplinary tribunals across a range of professions over the past 20 years. He is currently Deputy Chair of the Conduct Review Commission for the Financial Advice Association of Australia.
Phillip is also currently the National Ombudsman for the toll roads in Australia. He is also a board member of a number of commercial, international and Victorian Government entities across various sectors.
Phillip was appointed to the Board in October 2023.
Steve is a Director of Dobson Financial Planning, Senate Member of Murdoch University, and Chair of Greyhounds Western Australia. His previous governance roles include 10 years with the Small Business Development Corporation of Western Australia as Chair and board member. He has been a board member of the Gaming and Wagering Commission of Western Australia and a member of the ASIC Financial Advisers Consultative Panel and held other board roles within the not‑for‑profit and sporting sectors.
Steve is a former Western Australia Police Force officer. He holds a Bachelor of Business from RMIT University and a Master of Business Administration from Murdoch University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Steve was appointed to the Board in March 2022 and reappointed in March 2025.
Amanda Gascoigne
Amanda is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with more than 30 years of experience in the accounting profession. She commenced her career with Coopers and Lybrand Newcastle before they merged with Pricewaterhouse to form PricewaterhouseCoopers. Amanda established her own chartered accounting practice, which she successfully led for 18 years.
Amanda is the founder of Amanda Gascoigne Consulting. She now consults to accounting practice owners and leads a vibrant professional community, The Balanced Firm, fostering connection, peer support, and continuous improvement. Amanda serves as Co‑Chair of the ATO’s GST Stewardship Group and has been Chair of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) New South Wales Public Practice Panel and a member of the CA ANZ Trans‑Tasman Public Practice Advisory Committee. Her governance experience includes directorships with The Mai‑Wel Group and The Maitland Benevolent Society.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle.
She was appointed to the Board in March 2025.
Merran has 20 years of experience in practice as a professional accountant and is an independent director with expertise in finance, audit, risk, and compliance. She has a strong focus on corporate governance and risk management. Her industry experience includes financial and professional services, superannuation, insurance, health, education, and contract management in utilities and major infrastructure projects.
Merran is currently Chair of Dementia Australia and the London‑based International Financial Reporting Standards Advisory Council, and a director of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, the Medical Indemnity Protection Society and TarraWarra Museum of Art. She is also a former professor of practice in the School of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation at the University of New South Wales Business School, chair and CEO of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, member of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and chair and president of CPA Australia.
Merran was appointed to the Board in March 2025.
Kerrie is Professor of Taxation at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She is an experienced academic of more than 30 years, co‑editor of Australian Tax Review, and author of numerous leading tax books and publications. Kerrie is a former chair of The Tax Institute’s Academic Board and has been a member of committees and boards in academic institutions and professional associations.
Kerrie holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Queensland, a Master of Laws from QUT, and a PhD from Deakin University. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Chartered Tax Adviser, a Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and a Member of CPA Australia.
Kerrie was appointed to the Board in October 2023.
Committees
The TASA empowers the TPB to form committees with delegated authority to make certain decisions. The committee structure enables the TPB to make timely decisions efficiently, particularly in relation to conduct matters.
The TPB’s Audit and Risk Committee fulfils a key role in providing advice to the Board and staff on governance matters.
The TPB is also overseen by the ATO Audit and Risk Committee (ATO ARC) under section 17 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 (PGPA Rule). The details of the ATO ARC are outlined in the Commissioner of Taxation annual report.
The Board Conduct Committee (BCC) upholds the professional standards for tax practitioners, making decisions about registration eligibility and addressing misconduct.
In particular, the BCC considers cases of tax practitioner conduct that may lead to decisions to:
- approve or reject applications for registration or renewal of registration
- impose or vary conditions on registrations
- issue a caution or orders requiring a tax practitioner to take certain actions
- suspend or terminate registrations (or apply other sanctions)
- extend investigation periods
- not terminate registration pursuant to a surrender request
- impose an exclusion period during which an application for registration may not be made
- publicise decisions on the TPB’s public register
- approve or reject an application to register a previously disqualified entity to provide tax agent services on behalf of a registered tax practitioner.
The Recognised Professional Associations Committee is tasked with administering the TPB’s system for accrediting professional associations. The committee’s role includes:
- making decisions in relation to applications received from professional associations for accreditation as a recognised professional association under the TASR
- overseeing an annual declaration process to consider whether recognised professional associations continue to meet the eligibility requirements for accreditation under the TASR
- consulting with, and considering information provided by, stakeholders throughout the development of guidance material relating to the TPB’s recognition of professional associations
- overseeing the TPB’s role in the implementation of relevant legislative provisions relating to the TPB’s recognition of professional associations.
Being a voting member of a TPB‑recognised professional association is an eligibility requirement under certain pathways for registration as an individual tax practitioner. Details of the associations that were recognised by the TPB as at 30 June 2025 are provided in Appendix B.
The Professional Practice Committee is tasked with:
- developing strategic advice and policy relating to the TPB’s professional practice requirements guidance and support, for registered tax practitioners
- identifying and addressing issues relating to registered tax practitioners and consumers
- consulting with, and considering information provided by, stakeholders throughout the development of the TPB’s professional practice policies and guidance material
- overseeing the TPB’s role in the implementation of relevant legislative provisions.
Responding to the risk and uncertainty associated with financial management and a new Special Account, the TPB implemented additional oversight via the Financial Governance Working Group. With enhanced financial systems, capability and reporting, this working group has been finalised, and financial oversight continues via the TPB Audit and Risk Committee and the Board.
Organisation
Under the TASA, the TPB consists of the Board members appointed by the relevant Treasury portfolio minister (currently the Assistant Treasurer). They are assisted by ATO staff made available by the Commissioner of Taxation.
The CEO Secretary is supported by staff across the functional areas shown below.
Board
Provides strategic direction and oversees the governance of the TPB.
CEO Secretary
Manages operations, resources, and corporate governance in line with the Board’s decisions.
Assistant Secretary Policy, Governance and Reform
Manages policy, reform, and corporate governance in line with the Board’s decisions.
Functional areas
Client Services
- Provides support for tax practitioners, through assessing new registration applications, renewal applications and disqualified entities applications
- Ensures registration compliance.
- Administers registration cancellations due to deaths, surrenders, failure to meet registration requirements or failure to renew.
- Provides practitioner guidance, especially via telephony and email.
- Provides public support, especially to former clients of tax advisers subject to TPB investigation and sanction.
Policy and Legislation
- Leads the legislative and policy work program.
- Works with Treasury to influence and implement legislative reform and provide policy guidance on how the law operates.
- Manages relationships with key stakeholders, including the Minister, Treasury, other government agencies, and recognised professional associations.
Corporate Services
Is responsible for:
- governance, planning and risk management
- people management
- communications and media management
- finance management.
Technology Team
- Maintains and supports high‑quality IT systems used by staff, tax practitioners and the general public.
- Enhances our systems to provide greater value to the TPB and tax practitioners.
- Facilitates legislative reform through integrated technology solutions.
- Maintains and uplifts the TPB’s cyber security posture.
Data Analytics and Science Team
- Develops data‑driven analytical models and solutions.
- Delivers self‑service tools and ad hoc reporting.
- Ensures availability of high‑quality data through governance and stewardship.
- Cultivates awareness of data literacy and ethical use.
Assistant Secretary Law and Compliance
Manages law and compliance activities in line with the Board’s decisions.
Functional areas
Law and Compliance
- Risk assesses intelligence, including complaints.
- Conducts enquiries and investigations.
- Manages litigation to ensure tax practitioner compliance with the Tax Agent Services Act 2009.
- Manages any legal risk, including through the provision of advice and appropriate information management.
CEO Secretary
The CEO Secretary is responsible for managing staff, operations, resources and corporate governance in line with the Board’s decisions. The CEO Secretary authorises staff to act on his behalf while retaining full responsibility and maintaining decision‑making quality assurance.
Michael O'Neill
Michael O’Neill commenced in the role of CEO Secretary of the TPB in August 2018.
Michael’s previous roles involved providing advice, leading investigations, litigation, policy and law reform, and improving strategy.
Since 2018, he has been privileged to work with the TPB team to help shape the integrity of the tax and regulatory systems.
Staff
All TPB staff are made available by the Commissioner of Taxation and covered by the report on workforce management in the Commissioner of Taxation annual report.
At 30 June 2025, the TPB had 198 ongoing staff and one non‑ongoing staff member. They operated across 6 regions, as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Ongoing, non-ongoing and casual employees by region at 30 June
| Region | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | 18 | 10 |
| New South Wales | 76 | 97 |
| Queensland | 41 | 42 |
| South Australia | 0 | 2 |
| Tasmania | 0 | 1 |
| Victoria | 47 | 47 |
| Total | 182 | 199 |
Tables 2 to 5 provide information about the TPB’s workforce profile in the past 2 reporting periods.
Table 2: Ongoing, non-ongoing and casual employees by functional area at 30 June
| Functional area | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Office of the CEO Secretary | 4 | 5 |
| Client Services | 36 | 40 |
| Law and Compliance | 93 | 103 |
| Policy and Legislation | 7 | 9 |
| Corporate Services | 17 | 16 |
| Technology Team | 17 | 17 |
| Data Analytics and Science | 8 | 9 |
| Total | 182 | 199 |
Table 3 shows a breakdown of the workforce by classification and gender.
Table 3: Ongoing, non-ongoing and casual employees by classification and gender at 30 June
| Classification | 2024 | 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | Male | Total | Female | Male | Total | |
| SES Band 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| SES Band 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| EL 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 10 |
| EL 1 | 19 | 20 | 39 | 19 | 20 | 39 |
| APS 6 | 30 | 26 | 56 | 37 | 27 | 64 |
| APS 5 | 21 | 13 | 34 | 38 | 17 | 35 |
| APS 4 | 12 | 16 | 28 | 19 | 13 | 32 |
| APS 3 | 10 | 3 | 13 | 11 | 5 | 16 |
| APS 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 97 | 85 | 182 | 107 | 92 | 199 |
APS = Australian Public Service Level, EL = Executive Level, SES = Senior Executive Service
Note: The TPB has no staff that identified as a different gender.
Table 4: Ongoing, non-ongoing and casual employees by full-time and part-time employment at 30 June
2024 | 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | Full-time | Part-time | Total | Full-time | Part-time | Total |
| SES Band 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| SES Band 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| EL 2 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| EL 1 | 37 | 2 | 39 | 38 | 1 | 39 |
| APS 6 | 49 | 7 | 56 | 58 | 6 | 64 |
| APS 5 | 28 | 6 | 34 | 29 | 6 | 35 |
| APS 4 | 28 | 0 | 28 | 32 | 0 | 32 |
| APS 3a | 8 | 5 | 13 | 11 | 5 | 16 |
| APS 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 162 | 20 | 182 | 181 | 18 | 199 |
APS = Australian Public Service Level, EL = Executive Level, SES = Senior Executive Service
a APS 3 casual staff member allocated to part-time.
Table 5: Ongoing employees belonging to diversity groups at 30 June
| Group | 2024 (%) | 2025 (%) | Change (percentage points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Nations people | 1.7 | 2.5 | 0.8 |
| Culturally and linguistically diverse | 47.6 | 47.6 | 0.0 |
| Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI+) | 3.4 | 4.5 | 1.1 |
| Mature age (>50 years) | 38.6 | 37.4 | -1.2 |
| With disability | 4.5 | 5.6 | 1.1 |
| Neurodivergent | 3.3 | 4.0 | 0.7 |
Note: Diversity figures are reported based on the ongoing TPB population only.
Remuneration of key management personnel
To provide transparency and accountability, and in accordance with section 17CA of the PGPA Rule, the TPB is required to disclose key management personnel remuneration. Key management personnel are defined as ‘those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly’.
Table 6 provides details of the TPB’s remuneration of key management personnel in 2024–25.
The TPB Board members are holders of public office; their remuneration and conditions are set by the Remuneration Tribunal. Further information can be found at remtribunal.gov.au.
Most Board members served their terms throughout 2024–25, with 3 new members – Joanna Bird, Amanda Gascoigne and Merran Kelsall – joining the TPB in March 2025. Andrew Conway’s term ceased in March 2025 and Peter Hogan’s ceased in August 2024.
Table 6: Key management personnel remuneration in 2023–24
Corporate governance and risk management
Our corporate governance framework seeks to fulfil our public sector governance, performance and accountability obligations while encouraging innovation and continuous improvement. Our governance systems ensure that we deliver our objectives in a transparent and accountable manner, consistent with the PGPA Act.
Board oversight
The Board met 10 times during 2024–25, to provide strategic direction and oversight of the activities and performance of the TPB.
The Board was presented with a range of governance reports, including:
- monthly business reports outlining our operations
- quarterly performance reports, highlighting achievements and challenges against the strategic objectives and performance measures of the 2024–25 corporate plan.
Audit and risk oversight
The TPB’s Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) provides advice and assurance to the Board that the TPB has an appropriate governance framework and processes in place to meet our strategic objectives and our obligations under the PGPA Act and the Commonwealth resource management framework. In 2024–25, the ARC met 3 times to evaluate the governance and risk effectiveness of our organisation. Matters considered included our corporate risk register and corporate plan.
The quarterly performance reports representing subset measures are also provided to the ATO ARC. Our CEO Secretary or a delegate attends relevant ATO ARC meetings during the year as part of our PGPA Act governance processes.
Risk management
Our approach to risk management aligns with the requirements of the PGPA Act, the Australian Government’s principles of regulatory best practice, and the Commonwealth Risk Management Framework. Our risk management processes help us clarify our goals, confirm strategies, prioritise resources, test effectiveness and report on our work.
During 2024–25 we reviewed, assessed and modified our enterprise‑level and business‑level risks, including fraud risks, considering environmental changes. The focus of the review was to improve whole‑of‑government coordination of shared risks and to identify risks in common, with our partner agencies and, in particular, with the ATO. The TPB’s risk management capability is maturing to better identify priorities and mitigate and manage risks.
Annual reporting
Each year, in line with our requirements under section 60‑130(1) of the Tax Agent Services Act 2009, we submit our annual report to the Assistant Treasurer, Treasury and the Department of Finance. Our annual report includes an annual performance statement that reflects our performance against the deliverables and performance criteria set out in the Treasury portfolio budget statements and our corporate plan.
People and culture
Following a comprehensive creation process, which included consultation at all organisational levels – from the board and leadership teams to focus groups with staff – the TPB People and Culture Strategy 2025–2028 was developed and finalised.
The strategy represents our unwavering commitment to our people, cultivating and empowering a safe, resilient, and high‑performing workforce that is well equipped to meet both current and future needs.
Support for legislative reform
We continue to support the Australian Government’s multi‑year program of law reform aimed at strengthening the integrity of the tax profession and the tax system. In 2024–25, we worked with Treasury to implement measures arising from the Treasury Laws Amendment (2023 Measures No. 1) Act 2023 and Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Accountability and Fairness) Act 2024.
The measures include:
- strengthening the disclosure framework by requiring tax practitioners to
- not employ or use the services of a disqualified entity without TPB approval
- report significant breaches of the Code in relation to their own conduct and the conduct of other registered tax practitioners
- amending the TASA to give the relevant minister the power to supplement the Code to address emerging and existing behaviours and practices
- extending whistleblower protections to eligible whistleblowers who make disclosures to the TPB, as well as disclosures to certain other entities who may support or assist the whistleblower
- enabling the publication of additional information appearing on the TPB Register.
The introduction of a new legislative instrument, the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024, created 8 additional Code obligations for registered tax practitioners. We worked closely with professional associations and other stakeholders to support the practical implementation of the Determination. This included drafting policy and releasing a comprehensive suite of 27 information products addressing the new obligations, tailored to suit the requirements of the tax profession. The introduction of the Determination was further supported by various communication activities, including webinars and speaking events.
We also engaged with Treasury to provide input and assistance on the next stage of law reforms announced the by the government in the March 2025 Budget. These reforms will enhance the sanctions regime and modernise tax practitioner registration requirements.
Enhancing the sanctions regime
Subject to government priorities and parliamentary matters, the proposed start date of the changes to enhance the sanctions regime is 1 July 2026. The changes that will be put in place will support high professional standards and deter misconduct and include:
- reintroducing criminal penalties for unregistered preparers
- increasing maximum civil penalties amounts in the TASA
- adding infringement notice penalties for alleged contraventions of the TASA
- introducing enforceable voluntary undertakings creating contingent and interim suspensions
- broadening civil penalties for breaches of the Code and for false or misleading statements made by unregistered preparers
- extending the maximum banning period to 10 years.
Modernising tax practitioner registration requirements
Subject to government priorities and parliamentary matters, the proposed start date of the new changes to enhance the registrations framework is 1 July 2027. The changes that will be put in place include:
- allowing the TPB to assess exceptions and alternative timeframes by which tax practitioners gain relevant experience
- amending the ‘fit and proper person’ test, by requiring disclosure of spent convictions relevant to providing tax practitioner services and extending the timeframe the TPB considers
- requiring companies and partnerships to demonstrate that they have appropriate governance arrangements in place to be registered.
Whole-of-government approach
Building community confidence in the tax profession and tax system requires close engagement with stakeholders and cooperation across government. We share TPB data and analysis to help shape government priorities and contribute to relevant policy reform proposals. In 2024–25, the TPB’s contribution to reform consultations included providing evidence and insights on:
- enhancements to professional/ethical standards
- tax secrecy
- investigation powers
- addressing legal professional privilege.
Client Support Program
The TPB addresses professional misconduct via investigations and applies sanctions where it is appropriate to protect the public. The TPB Register provides transparency to the public, noting those tax advisers subject to sanctions.
After a tax adviser has been sanctioned, we provide guidance to their former clients. Our Client Support Program ensures that former clients are aware of important facts, can review their own tax affairs, and can take action if required. Some former clients have made voluntary disclosures to the ATO, in order to reset their tax affairs. If required, former clients can seek independent advice, including from another tax practitioner registered with the TPB.
This program demonstrates a proactive commitment to supporting and protecting the community, ensuring that individuals impacted by misconduct receive timely guidance and resources to safeguard their interests.
Fair, targeted and proportionate compliance activities
Most Australians work with a tax practitioner to assist in engaging with the tax and superannuation systems. The majority of tax practitioners act ethically and professionally, recognising their trusted position in the community. The TPB’s guidance products support voluntary compliance by those tax advisers committed to acting lawfully.
Misconduct by a small number of tax practitioners can have a large adverse impact on tax compliance and on community confidence in integrity. The TPB is committed to identifying, prioritising and addressing professional misconduct with fair and proportionate approaches. TPB investigations are conducted with procedural fairness so that tax practitioners have every opportunity to clarify facts and address concerns.
Our risk‑based compliance program ensures that we address severe misconduct and higher‑risk issues on the basis of good data, evidence and analysis. In 2024–25, the TPB’s risk and intelligence areas assessed over 13,000 complaints and referrals. Data analysis and risk identification tools, with human supervision and quality assurance, assisted us to focus on the most serious risks and systemic issues.
Collaboration and data sharing between government agencies have played a crucial role in enhancing our ability to detect and respond to high‑risk tax practitioners. By exchanging intelligence, analytical insights, and compliance data, we are able to draw on a broader pool of information, enabling earlier identification and more effective intervention when concerning behaviours emerge. This multi‑agency approach not only strengthens the integrity of the tax system but also promotes a unified regulatory environment across the public sector
Ongoing refinements in data analytics and intelligence capability – augmented by close collaboration with partner agencies – have been instrumental in detecting high‑risk tax practitioners, such as Raheel Chaudry (see Case Study 1). The sharing of information and resources between agencies ensures a comprehensive response to emerging risks and demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement in both compliance operations and regulatory outcomes.
Litigation
TPB sanction decisions are subject to rights of appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and the Federal Court, to ensure that outcomes are fair and lawful. In addition, the TPB can initiate a civil penalty application in the Federal Court to address serious misconduct, including unlawful behaviour by unregistered preparers. Court and tribunal outcomes assist in clarifying the law and providing guidance to support voluntary compliance or general deterrence.
In 2024–25, 20 litigation matters involving the TPB were finalised in the ART. Five of those matters resulted in published final decisions, 4 of which affirmed the Board Conduct Committee’s substantive decisions. Three litigation matters were finalised in the Federal Court, 2 of which resulted in published final decisions favourable to the TPB, including one civil penalty decision and a contempt of court decision.
The TPB’s compliance priorities include acting against unregistered agents who exploit clients and the tax system. Unregistered agents, often without appropriate training, experience, systems and standards, can expose clients to tax investigations, tax debts and penalties. This unregistered agent misconduct is especially poor when clients are financially vulnerable. Unregistered agents involved in serious misconduct are brought before the Federal Court, with the TPB seeking penalties to deter unlawful behaviour.
In the case of Jayden Van Dyke, the court enforced a penalty of $1.8 million for over 3,000 lodgements by an unregistered preparer (see Case Study 2).
Guidance and support
TPB guidance helps tax practitioners to voluntarily comply with their obligations and, in turn, to assist their clients in engaging with the tax system. TPB guidance includes short‑term and ad hoc enquiries and telephony support for practitioners. More formal policy and interpretation products address practical examples and clarify the scope of law changes.
The TPB engages with practitioners, professionals and educational institutions to consult, improve our awareness, and share our views. Ongoing professional development opportunities are provided through our webinar program. We also update our website and engage with media to support community awareness and confidence in the system.
In 2024–25, we published 7 new formal policy and guidance products and updated 17 existing products. In addition, we published 12 new factsheets for consumers and, to enhance accessibility, produced our first multilingual factsheet. Titled Information for Clients, this resource was published in Arabic, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and both simplified and traditional Chinese.
We supplemented those information products with communication activities such as webinars and external speaking events.
Our webinar program continued to provide quality guidance and education to tax practitioners and achieved extremely high engagement among attendees: 98% of those surveyed said that their knowledge had improved after attending a webinar. Feedback from attendees included:
- ‘The best hour I have spent for a long time, thanks for the work that you are doing inside your guidelines. This was an excellent reminder of the role we play in ensuring clients know their responsibilities and it’s probably one of the best webinars the TPB have delivered.’
- ‘Today’s webinar was a welcome departure from a traditional regulator type presentation to a more balanced adviser type one. I think it was a good mix of technical information interspersed with relevant case studies.’
- ‘Very informative and well‑paced, providing clear insights into agent requirements – perfect delivery.’
- ‘The webinar provided really clear step‑by‑step coverage on the new Code regulations with examples that were just perfect. The speaker was knowledgeable and clearly familiar with the subject matter, imparting the information effectively.’
- ‘Very professional and organised delivery from the TPB. I appreciated the time, discipline and live responses to any issues.’
Attendance grew by 50% across the program of 26 webinars, with over 102,700 attendees in 2024–25 compared with over 68,500 attendees in 2023–24.
Our monthly newsletter, TPB eNews, also received increased engagement. The number of subscribers increased by over 1,100, reaching 69,613, and the May 2025 edition garnered a well‑regarded 55% open rate.
Our media, guidance and education products support tax practitioners in their ongoing professional development, improvement of services to clients, and conformance with legal and ethical obligations. In 2024–25, our media coverage of TPB compliance matters and reform initiatives produced 1,226 news items with a potential media audience of 68.88 million.
For the purposes of the PGPA Act, the TPB is considered part of the listed entity known as the Australian Taxation Office. As the accountable authority for the Australian Taxation Office, the Commissioner of Taxation is responsible for providing an annual report to Parliament that complies with the requirements of the PGPA Rule. To support this, the TPB provides an annual performance statement in line with section 16F of the PGPA Rule.
Performance framework
The TPB reports on its performance against the key activities, performance criteria and targets set out for Australian Taxation Office Program 1.2: Tax Practitioners Board in the Treasury Portfolio Budget Statements 2024–25, and the key activities and performance measures set out in the TPB’s Our Plan for 2024–25
Our portfolio and corporate performance measures are designed to evaluate the TPB’s effectiveness in achieving its purpose, as set out in Our Plan for 2024–25:
The role of the TPB is to support public trust and confidence in the integrity of the tax profession and the tax system and to ensure tax practitioner services are provided to the public in accordance with appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct
Three of our performance measures and an overarching key activity are also included in the Australian Taxation Office listed entity’s annual performance statement in the Commissioner of Taxation annual report for 2024–25:
Key activity: Provide support to tax practitioners, strengthen the regulation of tax practitioners to increase confidence in the integrity of the tax profession and tax system and address tax practitioner risk and compliance behaviour.
Performance measures:
2.3 Tax Practitioner satisfaction
4.1 Proportion of completed risk assessments
4.3 Sanctions are appropriate
Our performance measures are also designed to demonstrate how the TPB applies the 3 principles of best practice set out in Resource Management Guide 128 – Regulator performance:
- Continuous improvement and building trust: regulators adopt a whole‑of‑system perspective, continuously improving their performance, capability and culture to build trust and confidence in Australia’s regulatory settings.
- Risk based and data driven: regulators manage risks proportionately and maintain essential safeguards while minimising regulatory burden and leveraging data and digital technology to support those they regulate to comply and grow.
- Collaboration and engagement: regulators are transparent and responsive communicators, implementing regulations in a modern and collaborative way
Changes to performance measures
We are committed to a strong performance culture, to ensure that we appropriately deliver on our accountabilities to the government and the community. This includes enhancing our suite of performance measures to strengthen and mature our performance reporting.
In 2024–25, the name and methodology of one performance measure were changed, as shown in Table 7. No changes were made to our key activities.
Table 7: Changes to 2024–25 performance measure
| Original measure | Description of change | Rational for change |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 Number of completed risk assessments | Wording was changed to ‘4.1 Proportion of completed risk assessments’. Methodology was changed to report on the percentage of high‑risk cases that have been finalised with a corrective or compliance treatment. | The measure was changed to better align with the risk‑based approach detailed in the key activity. |
Performance rating scale
We have assessed the outcome for each performance target against a 4‑tier rating scale, as shown in Table 8. Composite measures, which comprise 2 or more sub‑measures, receive equal weighting to simple measures when assessed against the rating scale
Table 8: Performance rating scale
| Rating | Threshold |
| Achieved | 100% of target was met |
| Substantially achieved | 85% to 99% of target was met |
| Partially achieved | 75% to 84% of target was met |
| Not achieved | Less than 75% of target was met |
Summary of performance
The TPB’s performance in 2024–25 is assessed against 7 key activities and 16 measures. Eleven measures were achieved, and 5 were substantially achieved (85% to 99% of the target was met), as shown in Table 9.
Table 9: Summary of performance in 2024–25
| Key activity | Performance measurea | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Collaborate with our stakeholders to support and shape government reforms | 1.1 The number of relevant TPB submissions that aim to enhance our regulatory role and government coordination | Achieved |
| 2. Streamline registration and support to new and existing tax practitioners, the public and other stakeholders | 2.1 Our internal service standards results | Achieved |
| 2.2 Our quality assurance results | Achieved | |
| 2.3 Tax practitioner satisfactionb | Substantially achieved | |
| 3. Improve tax practitioner standards and integrity with support and guidance | 3.1 The number of relevant guidance products published | Achieved |
| 3.2 The number of education opportunities offered | Achieved | |
| 3.3 Tax practitioner feedback | Substantially achieved | |
| 4. Protect consumers through a risk‑based compliance program | 4.1 Proportion of completed risk assessmentsb | Achieved |
| 4.2 The number and type of compliance outcomes imposed, including Board Conduct Committee sanctions | Achieved | |
| 4.3 Sanctions are appropriateb | Substantially achieved | |
| 4.4 Tax practitioner satisfaction with TPB compliance effectiveness | Achieved | |
| 5. Support our people to build organisational capability, culture, and leadership | 5.1 Our staff wellbeing and engagement | Substantially achieved |
| 5.2 Our staff satisfaction with TPB workplace culture, skills development and leadership | Substantially achieved | |
| 6.Support and safeguard our performance through a technology work program | 6.1 Our system availability | Achieved |
| 6.2 Our system reliability | Achieved | |
| 7. Enhance TPB performance through data science and analytics | 7.1 Improved data analytics capability, including utility of data analysis tools | Achieved |
a Performance measures as published in Our Plan for 2024–25, pages 14 to 17.
b This measure is included in the annual performance statement in the 2024–25 annual report for the Australian Taxation Office.
KEY ACTIVITY 1:
Collaborate with our stakeholders to support and shape government reforms
Performance measure 1.1
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| The number of relevant TPB submissions that aim to enhance our regulatory role and government coordination | The TPB will provide timely submissions | Achieved | 1. Continuous improvement and building trust 3. Collaboration and engagement |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
Government reforms have addressed integrity issues related to the profession and the tax system. These reforms include the government’s proposals to strengthen the integrity of our tax system, the regulatory framework and powers of regulators, and proposals to expand the Code of Professional Conduct.
The TPB has supported these reforms, based on our experience and empirical evidence. We have engaged with Treasury, the ATO, professional associations and other stakeholders to support collaboration and engagement.
The TPB provided 14 written submissions to support and shape regulatory reforms in 2024–25. Our performance assessment against this key activity also has regard to factors such as ongoing feedback from partner agencies and associations.
To ensure high‑quality submissions, we follow a structured process that includes:
- scanning and evaluating the policy and regulatory landscape to identify new and emerging issues, risks and opportunities
- preparing submissions drawing on expertise from across our organisation and other agencies (when required) to provide an informed response
- obtaining input and approval from Board members to ensure alignment with our strategic objectives.
Additionally, we continue to support the government in its consideration of:
- recommendations of the Review of the Tax Practitioners Board and Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (James Review)
- enhanced integrity in the tax profession and tax system
- tackling fraud against the ATO and the tax and superannuation systems
- proposed criteria for the prescribed disciplinary bodies framework.
We cultivate stakeholder collaboration through the development of high‑quality submissions to support and shape meaningful government reforms.
KEY ACTIVITY 2:
Streamline registration and support to new and existing tax practitioners, the public and other stakeholders
Performance measure 2.1
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our internal service standards results | 80% new and renewal applications are processed within 30 days 95% new and renewal applications are processed within 60 days | Achieved | 1.Continuous improvement and building trust |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
The tax practitioner registration renewal period changed from 3 years to an annual process and the number of new and renewal applications steadily grew, to 23,702, in 2024–25. We continued to exceed our service standards, as shown in Table 10.
Our registration process seeks to balance timely and quality service with the integrity checks needed to confirm professional standards – requisite education, experience and ethical conduct.
Table 10: Registrations processed within service standards
| Service standard | 2020–21 | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80% new and renewal applications are processed within 30 days | 92% | 94% | 98% | 95% | 95% |
| 95% new and renewal applications are processed within 60 days | 99% | 98% | 99% | 99% | 99% |
Performance measure 2.2
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our quality assurance results | The TPB will conduct quality assurance checks quarterly | Achieved | 1. Continuous improvement and building trust 2. Risk based and data driven |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
Quality assessments are undertaken to improve our services, capability and continuous improvement. Sample cases of our service delivery, from registrations to telephony guidance, are reviewed to confirm best practice or to address needs for training and development or changes to systems or processes to enhance the TPB’s efficiency.
Our service quality was high across product types in 2024–25, as shown in Table 11.
Table 11: Client service quality assurance results
Standard met | Improvement required | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |||||||
| Product type | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % |
| Finalised application processing | 115 | 96 | 79 | 93 | 89 | 99 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| Finalised emails | 29 | 81 | 54 | 90 | 35 | 85 | 7 | 19 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 15 |
| Finalised telephony | 49 | 100 | 67 | 85 | 26 | 81 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 15 | 6 | 19 |
Performance measure 2.3
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax practitioner satisfaction | 71% of tax practitioners are satisfied | Substantially achieved | 1. Continuous improvement and building trust 3. Collaboration and engagement |
We substantially achieved this performance measure in 2024–25.
Tax practitioner satisfaction is assessed based on biannual survey data. As Table 12 shows, our latest survey result, from April 2025, indicated that 63% of respondents were satisfied with the TPB’s effectiveness in reducing the registration burden. We note that the while the latest result did not meet the target it showed a significant improvement from 56%, the October 2024 result.
The TPB is committed to improving our tax practitioner services, including registration. We recognise that the survey data may reflect tax practitioner sentiment more generally, taking into account the pace of regulatory reform and the change to annual registration.
We support tax professionals with guidance about reforms and continuing professional education webinars. We remain focused on assisting practitioners to understand their professional and ethical requirements. We rely on practitioner feedback received through several channels to enable us to continuously improve online products, renewal forms and website content.
Table 12: Tax practitioner satisfaction
| Survey respondents satisfied | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survey question: How effective has the TPB been in minimising the burden of maintaining your registration? | October 2022 | May 2023 | October 2023 | April 2024 | October 2024 | April 2025 |
| Tax practitioners responding we have been very effective or moderately effective | 70% | 72% | 75% | 73% | 56% | 63% |
KEY ACTIVITY 3:
Improve tax practitioner standards and integrity with support and guidance
Performance measure 3.1
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| The number of relevant guidance products published | The TPB will support the tax profession by publishing regular guidance material | Achieved | 3. Collaboration and engagement |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
We published 50 guidance products on our website, and 80% of participants in the tax practitioner biannual survey found our policy advice and guidance relevant.
The guidance published in 2024–25 included both new products and updates made to existing products to support the government’s reforms, including the new Code obligations introduced in the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024. The suite of published materials includes 6 information sheets providing guidance on each of the 8 new obligations, an information sheet on the significant breach reporting requirements, and other supporting guidance on our website.
Environmental factors that may have influenced our performance results included:
- greater awareness among the tax practitioner community of the ongoing reform of the TPB’s legislative framework
- increased engagement with stakeholders via our Consultative Forum and the Tax Practitioner Governance and Standards Forum
- community expectations for higher ethical standards within the tax profession.
We achieved our target by creating a comprehensive suite of guidance products, with each product type tailored to suit varying preferences across the tax profession, ranging from frequently asked questions and simple factsheets to more in‑depth information products outlining the legislative framework underpinning our policies. We also continued to focus on providing simplified, clear and concise guidance with an emphasis on plain English, readability and the use of diagrams, flowcharts and case studies to demonstrate concepts.
We continue to engage and collaborate with the tax profession to develop user‑friendly guidance products that enhance tax practitioner standards and integrity.
Performance measure 3.2
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| The number and quality of education opportunities offered | The TPB will support the tax profession by offering regular education opportunities | Achieved | 2. Risk based and data driven |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
We supported the tax profession by offering 26 webinars during 2024–25. More than 102,000 participants registered for our live webinars. All of our webinar recordings are available online with the full suite available on our webinar resources hub on our website. This allows practitioners the flexibility to coordinate their professional development and other obligations.
Webinar topics were determined based on the TPB’s strategic objectives and business line intelligence regarding issues of concern, as well as feedback received from post‑webinar surveys. Our webinars covered a wide range of topics, although reform and the new Code obligations and complying with the Code Determination were of most interest. Other topics included significant breach reporting, whistleblowing, disqualified entities, tax practitioners’ ongoing tax obligations, compliance, cybersecurity, and mental health support.
Our webinars continued to achieve extremely high engagement, and attendance across the webinar program grew by 50% during 2024–25. Of the surveyed attendees:
- 98% got what they hoped for from the webinar
- 98% improved their knowledge and understanding of the topic by attending the webinar
- 97% found the pace of the webinar about right.
Performance measure 3.3
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax practitioner feedback | The TPB considers and analyses tax practitioner feedback via biannual surveys | Substantially achieved | 1. Continuous improvement and building trust 3. Collaboration and engagement |
We substantially achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
The response to our biannual survey question ‘Does the TPB support and guidance material effectively assist you to understand the standards and integrity required by tax practitioners?’ dropped slightly during 2024–25, to 91%.
This result, although short of our 95% target, still indicates that our support and guidance material has been well received.
The TPB takes a practical approach to the implementation of reform. This includes consulting with stakeholders, developing guidance and publishing education materials. Recent reforms, which build on existing professional and ethical standards, are being reasonably implemented by most tax advisers. We update our guidance based on feedback and new scenarios.
KEY ACTIVITY 4:
Protect consumers through a risk-based compliance program
Performance measure 4.1
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proportion of completed risk assessments | 90% of matters are risk assesseda | Achieved | 2. Risk based and data driven |
a The target for this measure was changed in 2024–25. The target for 2023–24 was ‘>2,700 completed complaints and case leads’.
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
In 2024–25, 96% of all newly identified serious misconduct cases (with a risk rating of significant, high or extreme risk) were risk assessed and escalated for compliance treatment.
In 2024–25, the TPB received over 13,417 complaints and referrals directly or indirectly though the ATO and partner agencies. All referrals are considered by the TPB and provide valuable intelligence about the health of the tax and regulatory system. Consistent with our being a data‑ and risk‑based agency, our mitigation and treatment focuses on serious misconduct.
TPB treatments are proportionate to risks, having regard to our priorities and resources. Mitigation includes early engagement, policy guidance programs to address systemic issues, and targeted investigations.
Performance measure 4.2
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| The number and type of compliance outcomes imposed, including Board Conduct Committee sanctions | 75% of compliance cases have been assessed | Achieved | 1. Continuous improvement and building trust 2. Risk based and data driven |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
In 2024–25, 78% (or 275 of 353 cases) of all TPB closed compliance cases regarding serious misconduct by a tax practitioner received compliance outcomes.
This performance measure refers to the proportion of closed, high‑risk cases that addressed regulatory compliance via written cautions, remedial orders, suspensions or terminations of registration.
Addressing cases of tax practitioner misconduct can have a direct and general deterrence impact and supports voluntary compliance by the majority of tax intermediaries. The TPB provides direct support and assists with public awareness about practitioners who are subject to investigations and serious misconduct, via public register updates. Supported with additional government funding, the TPB’s expanded compliance program increases our capability and capacity to address serious misconduct by tax practitioners and unregistered advisers.
Performance measure 4.3
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctions are appropriate | The TPB is committed to pursuing positive court and tribunal outcomes | Substantially achieved | 1. Continuous improvement and building trust 3. Collaboration and engagement |
We substantially achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
We determine this performance measure with a target of 100% positive outcomes, meaning outcomes that either affirm or substantially affirm the TPB’s decision, or provide clarification of the law. This assessment is based on the range of decisions from the courts and the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) that evaluate the TPB’s investigations and sanctions.
In 2024–25, the TPB’s decisions were reviewed in 20 ART and court matters, with 19 ART decisions favouring the TPB in full. This also includes 2 cases before the Federal Court, 13 interlocutory matters and 5 final decisions of the ART.
The Federal Court handed down a decision favourable to the TPB in the matter of Jayden Van Dyke, ordering him to pay a pecuniary penalty of $1.8 million and the TPB’s costs, the highest penalty imposed on an unregistered adviser in a TPB civil penalty case.
The Federal Court also sentenced unregistered adviser Jessa Dabalos (formerly Jessa Van Stroe) to a 12‑month term of imprisonment for contempt of court. Ms Dabalos prepared and lodged income tax returns for a fee on 365 occasions in breach of a permanent injunction ordered by the court on 3 May 2022.
The ART published 5 final decisions in matters involving the TPB, 4 of which affirmed the TPB decisions. The remaining decision varied the TPB’s decision to terminate and impose a 2‑year exclusion period, by imposing a suspension for approximately the same amount of time. We obtained strong interlocutory application results, with the ART refusing all 10 stay applications, 2 confidentiality applications and one reinstatement application opposed by the TPB. We typically opposed stay applications in higher‑risk cases where clients or the community may have been at risk. Judicial and tribunal reviews support confidence in the system and ensure that the TPB is acting fairly and lawfully and can give clarity to law and policy.
Table 13 provides a summary of matters finalised in 2024–25.
Table 13: Finalised litigation matters involving the TPB in 2024–25
| Jurisdiction | Total finalised matters | Matters resolved without proceeding to a substantive hearinga | Matters resulting in a published decision | Published final decisions resulting in a TPB‑favourable outcome |
| Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) | 25b | 20c | 20d | 4e |
| Federal Court of Australia (Federal Court) – appeal against ART decision | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Federal Court – contempt | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Federal Court – judicial review | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Federal Court – civil penalty | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
a Includes matters resolved by agreement, dismissed by the ART or the Federal Court, or withdrawn by the applicant.
b Includes applications for merits review made in 2024–25 and previous financial years.
c Includes 10 matters withdrawn by the applicant and 10 resolved by agreement.
d A total of 20 decisions were published by the ART, including 5 final decisions, 12 stay decisions, 2 confidentiality decisions and one reinstatement decision.
e A total of 4 favourable final decisions were published by the ART, namely:
– Dou and Tax Practitioners Board [2024] AATA 2580 (19 July 2024)
– Colin and Tax Practitioners Board [2024] ARTA 43 (13 November 2024)
– Mihajlovic and Tax Practitioners Board [2025] ARTA 353 (10 April 2025)
– Dennis and Tax Practitioners Board [2025] ARTA 1001 (30 April 2025).
Performance measure 4.4
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax practitioner satisfaction with TPB compliance effectiveness | 62% of tax practitioners are satisfied | Achieved | 1. Continuous improvement and building trust 3. Collaboration and engagement |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
Of respondents to our tax practitioner biannual survey, 73% indicated that they were satisfied with the TPB’s compliance effectiveness.
The TPB’s compliance program is improving with enhanced data, analysis, intelligence and risk assessment. This involves systems, programs and investigations targeting systemic risks and serious misconduct. In 2024–25, the TPB was proactive in supporting clients and the public with transparent reporting of investigations and serious sanctions, including by publishing information on the TPB Register.
KEY ACTIVITY 5:
Support our people to build organisational capability, culture, and leadership
Performance measure 5.1
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our staff wellbeing and engagement | Our APS Census results are: >75% for wellbeing >78% for engagement | Substantially achieved | 1. Continuous improvement and building trust 3. Collaboration and engagement |
We substantially achieved this performance measure in 2024–25.
The 2025 Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Census was conducted between May and June 2025; 72% of TPB staff completed the 2025 census.
The TPB’s Wellbeing Policies and Support Index score dropped by 2 percentage points, to 71% from 73% in 2024. However, the TPB’s score remained equal to the APS average for this index.
Our Engagement Index score of 77% was 1 percentage point higher than our 2024 score and 2% higher than the APS average.
Performance measure 5.2
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our staff satisfaction with TPB workplace culture, skills development and leadership | 76% of staff are satisfied with workplace culture 77% of staff are satisfied with skills development 81% of staff are satisfied with leadership | Substantially achieved | 1. Continuous improvement and building trust 3. Collaboration and engagement |
We substantially achieved this performance measure in 2024–25.
This performance result is determined from staff engagement surveys, conducted locally by the TPB.
Survey data from 2024–25 suggests:
- 73% of respondents were satisfied with workplace culture, against our target of 76%
- 73% of respondents were satisfied with skills development opportunities, against our target of 77%
- 76% of respondents were satisfied with TPB leadership, against our target of 81%.
We are committed to supporting the wellbeing and engagement of all our people, including by improving capability, culture and organisational leadership
KEY ACTIVITY 6:
Support and safeguard our performance through a technology work program
Performance measure 6.1
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our system availability | System availability is >95% | Achieved | 1.Continuous improvement and building trust 3.Collaboration and engagement |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
Systems availability and security enhancements continued to be a TPB priority. Systems availability ensures services to tax practitioners and enhances TPB efficiency and effectiveness.
In 2024–25, most TPB systems had close to 100% availability, with quick fixes to minor incidents and 2 wider incidents addressed out of hours to minimise disruption
Performance measure 6.2
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our system reliability | >5% reduction of incident calls 80% of staff are satisfied with system reliability | Achieved | 1.Continuous improvement and building trust 3.Collaboration and engagement |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
TPB incident call numbers regarding technology and IT services reduced by 55% in 2024–25. Improvements in technology services were also confirmed in staff engagement surveys, with 88% of respondents being satisfied with systems availability, against our target of 80%.
KEY ACTIVITY 7:
Enhance TPB performance through data science and analytics
Performance measure 7.1
| Measure | Target | Result | Best practice principles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improved data analytics capability, including utility of data analysis tools | The TPB will improve its data analytics capability | Achieved | 1.Continuous improvement and building trust 2. Risk‑based and data‑driven |
We achieved this performance measure during 2024–25.
We assess this performance measure having regard to qualitative indicators, and the impact of data analytics on the TPB’s data governance and risk management, measurement and reporting as well as skills improvement.
Data governance has improved with automated data ingestion of referrals and secure cloud‑based storage.
Risk assessment tools, subject to human verification, shape our understanding of the regulatory system, opportunities for improvement and key cases or issues for investigation or mitigation.
Automated, accurate and streamlined reporting assists with the TPB’s continuous improvement as well as demonstrating accountability to stakeholders, including the government, practitioners and the community.
The TPB’s Data Analytics and Science Team enhances data literacy with a local community of practice and collaborates with partner agencies to build wider capability.
In accordance with the TASA and the Tax Agent Services Regulations 2022, the Commissioner of Taxation provides the TPB with operational and administrative assistance in the form of a Secretary, ATO employees on secondment, and an agreed budget.
Consistent with these arrangements, the TPB’s financial operations appear in the ATO’s annual report as part of the ATO’s financial operations. This TPB annual report does not include audited financial statements. The summary of expenditure provided in this section outlines direct salary and supplier costs, and includes the ATO shared services costs which are reimbursed to the ATO through subsidiary memorandums of understanding.
Budget summary
The TPB’s operating budget for 2024–25 was $32,088,000, comprising application fee revenue of $4,425,000 and a direct appropriation of $27,663,000 from government. If required to address unexpected budget pressures, the TPB’s unspent funds from previous years would have been made available with the support of the ATO. The TPB also had a ‘capital budget’ of $270,000. With good financial management, the TPB’s financial year end position was an underspend or surplus of $285,204.
Table 14 provides a TPB budget summary for 2024–25 (and the previous year comparison).
Table 14: Budget summary, 2023–24 and 2024–25
| Summary of costs | 2023–24 | 2024–25 |
| TPB budget | $26,598,177 | $32,088,000 |
| Expenditure | ||
| Staff costs | $19,924,979 | $25,126,644 |
| Supplier costs | $4,102,956 | $7,457,671 |
| Total expenditure | $24,027,935 | $32,584,316 |
| Additional application fee revenue | $0a | $781,519 |
| Surplus | $2,570,242 | $285,204 |
a Application fee revenue previously administered through consolidated revenue prior to introduction of special account.
Note: Minor discrepancies can occur between financial years as a result of rounding adjustments.
TPB 2024–25 expenditure was $32,584,316, comprising $25,126,644/184.06 full‑time equivalent staff in labour costs and $7,457,671 in supplier costs.
TPB 2024–25 application fee revenue collected was $5,206,519 against budget of $4,425,000, which generated a surplus of $781,519 in revenue collected.
The supplier costs outlined in Table 14 included the following major expenditure in 2024–25:
- $2,456,223 for the maintenance and development of business systems and IT infrastructure, along with the hosting and maintenance of the TPB’s website; use of IT contractors and service and software providers; and engagement of expertise to support our data analytics capabilities.
- $720,461 for litigation and external legal advice – litigation costs in 2024–25 reflected the continued focus on enforcement activities, including activities related to the shadow economy.
- $441,145 for remuneration of Board members in accordance with rates determined by the Remuneration Tribunal – this figure included the superannuation component.
- $275,784 for travel and accommodation costs associated with the running of the TPB – interstate travel is often necessary for Board members and staff to carry out their responsibilities, including investigations and stakeholder engagement.
- $126,692 for communications, including outreach events held to promote the TPB, advertising campaigns, printing and postage of correspondence to tax practitioners, and ad hoc marketing costs.
- $144,303 for staff learning and development.
- $108,268 for other operating expenses.
- $38,696 for the use of business advisory services.
- $3,146,099 paid/reimbursed to the ATO for shared services costs through subsidiary memorandums of understanding.
Capital expenditure was incurred while improving and enhancing our IT environment and systems in 2024–25. The capital expenditure comprised $68,910 for the purchase of computers, hardware and multifunction devices.
Procurement
The ATO buys goods and services for TPB operations on the TPB’s behalf. Detailed information on the ATO’s procurement processes and activities (including consultancies, advertising, direct mail, media placement and market research activities) is included in the ATO annual report. Contracts with a value greater than $10,000 are also published on AusTender (www.tenders.gov.au)
The TPB supports small business participation in the Australian Government procurement market. Small and medium‑sized enterprise participation statistics are available on the Department of Finance website (www.finance.gov.au).
Cost recovery
The TPB recovers a portion of the costs incurred from the processing of tax practitioner registrations by way of an application fee charged at the time of applying to become registered or to renew an existing registration. The revenue goes into the TPB’s Special Account.
In 2024–25, the TPB received application fee payments from tax practitioners of $5,206,519, a decrease from $12,408,096 in 2023–24. The decrease in revenue reflects the change from 3‑year registration cycles to an annual registration process, pro rata of application fee revenue, and the cessation of the requirement for tax (financial) advisers to be registered with the TPB. From 1 January 2022 the TPB ceased to register tax (financial) advisers, who are now subject to ASIC’s regulatory remit.
Further details regarding cost recovery can be found in the TPB’s annual cost recovery implementation statement, which is available from the TPB website, www.tpb.gov.au, and in the financial statements in the ATO annual report.
Appendix A: Disclosure of official information
Ministerial requests
We received 3 ministerial requests for information in 2024–25, regarding the review process for a decision of the TPB, the TPB’s guidance for registered tax practitioners on taking reasonable care in ascertaining a client’s state of affairs in relation to section 9 of the Code of Professional Conduct (subsection 30-10(9) of the Tax Agent Services Act 2009), and obligations under the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 (Code Determination). We also made 6 departmental responses to ministerial correspondence received during 2024–25 in relation to providing information about the eligibility requirements for registration with the TPB, making a complaint to the TPB, and obligations under the Code Determination
Law enforcement agency requests
We received 7 requests for disclosures of information from external law enforcement agencies in 2024–25, as shown in Table A1. We responded to all the requests in accordance with subsection 70‑40(4) of the Tax Agent Services Act 2009.
Table A1: Disclosures of official information to external agencies, 2024–25
| Agency | Offence category | Requests | Disclosures |
| Australian Federal Police | Fraud | 1 | 1 |
| New South Wales Police Force | Fraud | 6 | 0 |
Note: Disclosures are requested and made under subsection 70‑40(4) of the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 and set out in the annual report under subsection 60‑130(2) of the Act
Freedom of information requests
We use our website to provide the community with access to documents and policies that we use in making decisions. In addition, we provide information under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).
Under the FOI Act, the TPB is required to publish certain information as part of the Australian Government Information Publication Scheme. All FOI matters are handled in accordance with Information Publication Scheme requirements, as described on our website at www.tpb.gov.au/information-publication-scheme.
The FOI disclosure log, which lists information we have released in response to FOI access requests, is available on our website at www.tpb.gov.au/freedom-information-disclosure-log.
Appendix B: Recognised professional associations
Recognised professional associations at 30 June 2025
| Association | Type of recognition | Date of accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Association of Chartered Certified Accountants | Tax agent association | 12 November 2019 |
| Australian Bookkeepers Association Ltd | BAS agent association | 21 May 2013 |
| Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors | Tax agent association | 26 August 2010 |
| Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand | Tax agent association BAS agent association | 12 May 2010 12 May 2010 |
| CPA Australia | Tax agent association BAS agent association | 31 May 2010 31 May 2010 |
| Financial Advice Association of Australia | Tax agent association | 21 March 2012 |
| Institute of Certified Bookkeepers | BAS agent association | 5 May 2010 |
| Institute of Public Accountants | Tax agent association BAS agent association | 5 May 2010 5 May 2010 |
| Law Society of New South Wales | Tax agent association | 21 March 2012 |
| NTAA Plus Ltd | Tax agent association | 1 July 2011 |
| SMSF Association | Tax agent association | 10 September 2010 |
| Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association Ltd | Tax agent association | 1 January 2022 |
| TAI Practitioners & Advisers Ltd | Tax agent association | 21 May 2013 |
| The Tax Institute | Tax agent association | 5 May 2010 |
BAS = business activity statement
Appendix C: Annual report requirements
This list shows how the annual report requirements for non‑corporate Commonwealth entities, as set out in Schedule 2 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014, are met by the Tax Practitioners Board. It identifies the matters that are covered in the Australian Taxation Office annual report and provides page references to the required information in this report
| PGPA Rule Reference | Part of Report | Description | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17AD(g) | Letter of transmittal | ||
| 17AI | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A copy of the letter of transmittal signed and dated by accountable authority on date final text approved, with statement that the report has been prepared in accordance with section 46 of the Act and any enabling legislation that specifies additional requirements in relation to the annual report. | Mandatory |
| 17AD(h) | Aids to access | ||
| 17A1(a) | ii–iii | Table of contents (print only). | Mandatory |
| 17AJ(b) | 63–66 | Alphabetical index (print only). | Mandatory |
| 17A1(c) | 62 | Glossary of abbreviations and acronyms. | Mandatory |
| 17AJ(d) | 55–61 | List of requirements. | Mandatory |
| 17AJ(e) | reverse title page | Details of contact officer. | Mandatory |
| 17AJ(f) | reverse title page | Entity’s website address. | Mandatory |
| 17AJ(g) | reverse title page | Electronic address of report. | Mandatory |
| 17AD(a) | Review by accountable authority | ||
| 17AD(a) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A review by the accountable authority of the entity. | Mandatory |
| 17AD(b) | Overview of the entity | ||
| 17AE(1)(a)(i) | 7–8 | A description of the role and functions of the entity. | Mandatory |
| 17AE(1)(a)(ii) | 15–16 | A description of the organisational structure of the entity. | Mandatory |
| 17AE(1)(a)(iii) | Not applicable | A description of the outcomes and programmes administered by the entity | Mandatory |
| 17AE(1)(a)(iv) | 32 | A description of the purposes of the entity as included in corporate plan. | Mandatory |
| 17AE(1)(aa)(i) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Name of the accountable authority or each member of the accountable authority. | Mandatory |
| 17AE(1)(aa)(ii) | 6, 32 | Position title of the accountable authority or each member of the accountable authority. | Mandatory |
| 17AE(1)(aa)(iii) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Period as the accountable authority or member of the accountable authority within the reporting period. | Mandatory |
| 17AE(1)(b) | Not applicable | An outline of the structure of the portfolio of the entity. | Portfolio departments Mandatory |
| 17AE(2) | Not applicable | Where the outcomes and programs administered by the entity differ from any Portfolio Budget Statement, Portfolio Additional Estimates Statement or other portfolio estimates statement that was prepared for the entity for the period, include details of variation and reasons for change | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AD(c) | Report on the Performance of the entity | ||
| Annual performance Statements | |||
| 17AD(c)(i); 16F | 31–47 | Annual performance statement in accordance with paragraph 39(1)(b) of the Act and section 16F of the Rule. | Mandatory |
| 17AD(c)(ii) | Report on Financial Performance | ||
| 17AF(1)(a) | 49–52 | A discussion and analysis of the entity’s financial performance. | Mandatory |
| 17AF(1)(b) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report page | A table summarising the total resources and total payments of the entity. | Mandatory |
| 17AF(2) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | If there may be significant changes in the financial results during or after the previous or current reporting period, information on those changes, including: the cause of any operating loss of the entity; how the entity has responded to the loss and the actions that have been taken in relation to the loss; and any matter or circumstances that it can reasonably be anticipated will have a significant impact on the entity's future operation or financial results. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AD(d) | Management and Accountability | ||
| Corporate Governance | |||
| 17AG(2)(a) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Information on compliance with section 10 (fraud and corruption systems) | Mandatory |
| 17AG(2)(b)(i) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A certification by accountable authority that fraud and corruption risk assessments and fraud and corruption control plans have been prepared. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(2)(b)(ii) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A certification by accountable authority that appropriate mechanisms for preventing, detecting incidents of, investigating or otherwise dealing with, and recording or reporting fraud and corruption that meet the specific needs of the entity are in place. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(2)(b)(iii) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A certification by accountable authority that all reasonable measures have been taken to deal appropriately with fraud and corruption relating to the entity. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(2)(c) | 14, 15, 21, Commissioner of Taxation annual report page | An outline of structures and processes in place for the entity to implement principles and objectives of corporate governance. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(2)(d) – (e) | Not applicable | A statement of significant issues reported to Minister under paragraph 19(1)(e) of the Act that relates to non‑compliance with Finance law and action taken to remedy non‑compliance. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| Audit Committee | |||
| 17AG(2A)(a) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A direct electronic address of the charter determining the functions of the entity's audit committee. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(2A)(b) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | The name of each member of the entity's audit committee. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(2A)(c) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | The qualifications, knowledge, skills or experience of each member of the entity's audit committee | Mandatory |
| 17AG(2A)(d) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Information about the attendance of each member of the entity's audit committee at committee meetings. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(2A)(e) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | The remuneration of each member of the entity's audit committee | Mandatory |
| External Scrutiny | |||
| 17AG(3) | 2, 35, 42–43 | Information on the most significant developments in external scrutiny and the entity's response to the scrutiny. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(3)(b) | No applicable | Information on any reports on operations of the entity by the Auditor‑General (other than report under section 43 of the Act), a Parliamentary Committee, or the Commonwealth Ombudsman. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AG(3)(c) | No applicable | Information on any capability reviews on the entity that were released during the period. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| Management of Human Resources | |||
| 17AG(4)(a) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | An assessment of the entity's effectiveness in managing and developing employees to achieve entity objectives. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(aa) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Statistics on the entity’s employees on an ongoing and non-ongoing basis, including the following: (a) statistics on full‑time employees; (b) statistics on part‑time employees; (c) statistics on gender; (d) statistics on staff location. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(b) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Statistics on the entity’s APS employees on an ongoing and non-ongoing basis; including the following:
| Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(c) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Information on any enterprise agreements, individual flexibility arrangements, Australian workplace agreements, common law contracts and determinations under subsection 24(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(c)(i) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Information on the number of SES and non‑SES employees covered by agreements etc identified in paragraph 17AG(4)(c). | Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(c)(ii) | Commissioner of Taxation annual | The salary ranges available for APS employees by classification level. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(c)(iii) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A description of non-salary benefits provided to employees. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(d)(i) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Information on the number of employees at each classification level who received performance pay. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(d)(ii) | Not applicable | Information on aggregate amounts of performance pay at each classification level. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(d)(iii) | Not applicable | Information on the average amount of performance payment, and range of such payments, at each classification level. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AG(4)(d)(iv) | Not applicable | Information on aggregate amount of performance payments. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| Assets Management | |||
| 17AG(5) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report page 185 | An assessment of effectiveness of assets management where asset management is a significant part of the entity’s activities. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| Purchasing | |||
| 17AG(6) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | An assessment of entity performance against the Commonwealth Procurement Rules. | Mandatory |
| Reportable consultancy contracts | |||
| 17AG(7)(a) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A summary statement detailing the number of new reportable consultancy contracts entered into during the period; the total actual expenditure on all such contracts (inclusive of GST); the number of ongoing reportable consultancy contracts that were entered into during a previous reporting period; and the total actual expenditure in the reporting period on those ongoing contracts (inclusive of GST). | Mandatory |
| 17AG(7)(b) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A statement that “During [reporting period], [specified number] new reportable consultancy contracts were entered into involving total actual expenditure of $[specified million]. In addition, [specified number] ongoing reportable consultancy contracts were active during the period, involving total actual expenditure of $[specified million]”. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(7)(c) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A summary of the policies and procedures for selecting and engaging consultants and the main categories of purposes for which consultants were selected and engaged. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(7)(d) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A statement that “Annual reports contain information about actual expenditure on reportable consultancy contracts. Information on the value of reportable consultancy contracts is available on the AusTender website.” | Mandatory |
| Reportable non-consultancy contracts | |||
| 17AG(7A)(a) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report page | A summary statement detailing the number of new reportable non‑consultancy contracts entered into during the period; the total actual expenditure on such contracts (inclusive of GST); the number of ongoing reportable non‑consultancy contracts that were entered into during a previous reporting period; and the total actual expenditure in the reporting period on those ongoing contracts (inclusive of GST). | Mandatory |
| 17AG(7A)(b) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | A statement that “Annual reports contain information about actual expenditure on reportable non-consultancy contracts. Information on the value of reportable non-consultancy contracts is available on the AusTender website.” | Mandatory |
| 17AD(daa) | Additional information about organisations receiving amounts under reportable consultancy contracts or reportable non-consultancy contracts | ||
| 17AGA | Commissioner of Taxation annual report page | Additional information, in accordance with section 17AGA, about organisations receiving amounts under reportable consultancy contracts or reportable non‑consultancy contracts. | Mandatory |
| Australian National Audit Office Access Clauses | |||
| 17AG(8) | Not applicable | If an entity entered into a contract with a value of more than $100 000 (inclusive of GST) and the contract did not provide the Auditor‑General with access to the contractor's premises, the report must include the name of the contractor, purpose and value of the contract, and the reason why a clause allowing access was not included in the contract. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| Exempt contracts | |||
| 17AG(9) | Not applicable | If an entity entered into a contract or there is a standing offer with a value greater than $10 000 (inclusive of GST) which has been exempted from being published in AusTender because it would disclose exempt matters under the FOI Act, the annual report must include a statement that the contract or standing offer has been exempted, and the value of the contract or standing offer, to the extent that doing so does not disclose the exempt matters. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| Small business | |||
| 17AG(10)(a) | 51 | A statement that “[Name of entity] supports small business participation in the Commonwealth Government procurement market. Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Small Enterprise participation statistics are available on the Department of Finance's website.” | Mandatory |
| 17AG(10)(b) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | An outline of the ways in which the procurement practices of the entity support small and medium enterprises. | Mandatory |
| 17AG(10)(c) | Not applicable | If the entity is considered by the Department administered by the Finance Minister as material in nature – a statement that “[Name of entity] recognises the importance of ensuring that small businesses are paid on time. The results of the Survey of Australian Government Payments to Small Business are available on the Treasury's website.” | If applicable, Mandatory |
| Financial statements | |||
| 17AD(e) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report page | Inclusion of the annual financial statements in accordance with subsection 43(4) of the Act. | Mandatory |
| Executive Remuneration | |||
| 17AD(da) | 19-20 | Information about executive remuneration in accordance with Subdivision C of Division 3A of Part 2‑3 of the Rule. | Mandatory |
| Other Mandatory Information | |||
| 17AH(1)(a)(i) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | If the entity conducted advertising campaigns, a statement that “During [reporting period], the [name of entity] conducted the following advertising campaigns: [name of advertising campaigns undertaken]. Further information on those advertising campaigns is available at [address of entity's website] and in the reports on Australian Government advertising prepared by the Department of Finance. Those reports are available on the Department of Finance's website.” | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AH(1)(a)(ii) | Not applicable | If the entity did not conduct advertising campaigns, a statement to that effect. | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AH(1)(b) | Not applicable | A statement that "Information on grants awarded by [name of entity] during [reporting period] is available at [address of entity’s website].” | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AH(1)(c) | Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Outline of mechanisms of disability reporting, including reference to website for further information. | Mandatory |
| 17AH(1)(d) | 53 | Website reference to where the entity's Information Publication Scheme statement pursuant to Part II of FOI Act can be found. | Mandatory |
| 17AH(1)(e) | Not applicable | Correction of material errors in previous annual report | If applicable, Mandatory |
| 17AH(2) | Information required by other legislation | Mandatory | |
| Throughout | Report on operations (section 60‑130(1) of the Tax Agent Services Act 2009) | ||
| 53 | Disclosure of official information (section 60-130(2) of the Tax Agent Services Act 2009) | If applicable, Mandatory | |
| Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance (section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) | Mandatory | |
| Commissioner of Taxation annual report | Work health and safety (Schedule 2, Part 4 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011) | Mandatory | |
Last modified: 31 October 2025